Margaret Ebeshi, Abuja
The 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has opened in Abuja with renewed calls for deeper collaboration between Nigerians abroad and state governments to accelerate inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
Themed “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” the 2025 Summit drew senior government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners committed to unlocking the economic potential of the Nigerian diaspora.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasised that Nigeria’s sub-nationals play a pivotal role in translating diaspora investments into measurable grassroots impact.
Represented by the Director-General of the NGF, Mr Eghosa Omoigui, he commended NiDCOM and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) for sustaining a vital bridge between global Nigerian talent and domestic investment opportunities.
“For investment to truly deliver development, it must be felt at the grassroots where the majority of our people live and work. The sub-nationals are not just locations for investment; we are partners and facilitators of it,” he said.
AbdulRazaq announced the launch of the NGF Investopedia, an investment intelligence platform providing state-by-state data on opportunities, incentives, and comparative advantages across Nigeria’s 36 states.
He explained that the initiative would serve as a reliable guide for diaspora investors to make informed decisions.
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Reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to supporting diaspora-led initiatives, he noted, “We are working collectively to harmonise policies, reduce red tape, and create clear frameworks for land acquisition, taxation, and business registration. We want to make Nigeria’s sub-nationals the most attractive destinations for investment.”
Also speaking, the Chairperson of NDSI, Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, described the Summit as a celebration of vision, collaboration, and perseverance.
She noted that the NDIS has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential platforms for diaspora engagement and investment facilitation.
“What began as a bold idea to connect Nigeria with her global diaspora has become a beacon of what is possible when we harness our collective talent, resources, and commitment,” she stated.
Dr Adejugbe-Williams urged participants to engage deeply, connect widely, and think boldly throughout the summit.
She emphasised that the Nigerian diaspora is not merely a source of remittances but a “force for renewal, innovation, and nation-building.”
NiDCOM, in collaboration with NDSI and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening diaspora engagement frameworks and creating enabling environments that support sustainable diaspora investments across all sectors.